“When Dietrich Mateschitz acquired the team that became Toro Rosso, his stated aim was that it should be the final step in the training of young drivers, with the eventual goal of graduating to the ‘senior’ team. Daniel’s move thus vindicates the work of the Red Bull Young Driver Programme and also proves that we at Toro Rosso have given him a good racing education.”

Among the leading candidates for Ricciardo’s seat are Formula Renault 3.5 driver Antonio Felix da Costa and GP3 racer Carlos Sainz Jnr, both of which are on Red Bull’s junior driver programme.